None of the Sterns would ever claim they were a close-knit family. Even within Chad's immediate circle, with his sister and mother still alive and actively fighting for a spot in the Heir succession, there was zero warmth.
So cousins, of all things, were practically strangers. Chad and Donto hardly ever spent any time together, apart from when they were forced to attend their Grandfather's mandatory family gatherings. If there was one single pastime the younger generation actually had in common, it was collectively picking on Max. It was their favorite game at those boring family events. And while their parents had forced them into a group chat for the younger cousins to stay connected, Max was completely left out of it. It wasn't a place for casual texting anyway; it was just a toxic space where everyone dropped photos to show off their wealth and achievements.
